FTGC vs SPY
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. FTGC delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FTGC | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $821.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 15.26% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +33.63% | +12.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.13% | +20.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.00% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.28% | +12.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 21, 2013 | Jan 22, 1993 |
FTGC vs SPY Performance
First Trust Global Tactical Commodity Strategy Fund (FTGC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year FTGC returned +45.13% while SPY returned +20.83%. Year to date, FTGC is up 33.63% versus a gain of 12.22% for SPY.
Over three years, FTGC compounded at +17.00% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +15.28% and +12.98% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.79% annualized vs +3.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 13.6% for FTGC. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -60.6% for FTGC and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FTGC charges 0.98% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $9 annually, a gap of $89 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FTGC currently yields 15.26% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
FTGC and SPY share 0 holdings out of 506 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FTGC or SPY?
FTGC has an expense ratio of 0.98% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $89 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FTGC or SPY?
Over the past year FTGC returned +45.13% vs +20.83% for SPY, so FTGC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), FTGC annualized +3.46% vs +8.79% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FTGC or SPY?
SPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 13.6% for FTGC. Worst drawdown: FTGC -60.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both FTGC and SPY?
FTGC and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FTGC and SPY?
FTGC and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 506 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FTGC or SPY?
FTGC yields 15.26% while SPY yields 1.01%, so FTGC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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